Sam Parry double helps Ospreys to dominant victory over Castres

Two tries from hooker Sam Parry helped Ospreys to a dominant victory over Castres in their opening match of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

The hard work was done in the first half, with Parry’s brace and another try from Shaun Venter helping the Welsh side to a 25-3 lead at the break.

Castres improved in the second half but Dan Evans’ bonus-point try ended any hopes of a comeback and Luke Morgan added further gloss in a 39-15 success.

Albert Tuisue scored two first-half tries for London Irish in a convincing 34-8 victory over Agen.

Steve Mafi and Oliver Hassell-Collins also crossed either side of half-time, with Agen’s only score at that stage a Noel Reid penalty.

Tevia Railevu got a try on the board for the hosts but Phil Cokanasiga grabbed London Irish’s fifth late on.

Worcester suffered late heartbreak at Pau as Antonie Erbani’s last-gasp try earned the French side a 24-20 victory.

The teams were locked together at the break on 14 points apiece but two penalties from Jamie Shillcock gave Worcester a narrow advantage that they seemed set to hold onto until the final seconds.

Zebre and Bayonne played out a dramatic 25-25 draw at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

It was close throughout, with Zebre leading 18-13 at half-time. Bayonne wing Remy Baget then levelled the scores before Maxime Delonca scored a try to put the visitors in front.

Zebre fought back, though, and Matteo Nocera’s try was converted by Antonio Rizzi to leave the game tied.